Clenard Parker : 1 Dead, 13 Injured in Texas Semitrailer Crash: NPR

By | April 13, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Texas public safety office crash
2. Semitrailer accident NPR

A Texas truck driver intentionally crashed a stolen 18-wheeler into a public safety building in Brenham, Texas, after his license renewal was rejected, resulting in one death and 13 injuries. The driver, Clenard Parker, was arrested and faces multiple felony charges. The incident, which damaged the building and left debris scattered, was described as a senseless tragedy by officials. Quick response from law enforcement prevented further casualties. The Texas Department of Public Safety, a key law enforcement agency in the state, is investigating the incident with assistance from the FBI. The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the crash.

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1. Fatal truck accident at Texas public safety office
2. Multiple injuries in semitrailer collision at Texas government building



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Law enforcement personnel work at the scene after a stolen 18-wheeler crashed into a Texas Department of Public Safety office on US-290 in Brenham, Texas on Friday.

Meredith Seaver/AP


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Meredith Seaver/AP




Law enforcement personnel work at the scene after a stolen 18-wheeler crashed into a Texas Department of Public Safety office on US-290 in Brenham, Texas on Friday.

Meredith Seaver/AP

BRENHAM, Texas — In a shocking incident, a Texas truck driver intentionally crashed a stolen 18-wheeler into a Texas Department of Public Safety office located on US-290 in Brenham, a rural town outside of Houston. The deliberate act resulted in one fatality and left 13 others injured, authorities reported on Friday.

The violent crash caused extensive damage to the single-story brick building, leaving a large hole in the entrance and scattering debris across the parking lot. The red semitrailer, which was transporting materials on a flatbed, was also significantly damaged in the collision.

According to Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura, after ramming the building once, the driver, identified as Clenard Parker, 42, attempted to reverse the truck to inflict further damage before being apprehended by authorities.

“It’s truly unfortunate that we find ourselves here, gathered for such a senseless tragedy,” Kenjura expressed.

Parker was extracted from the vehicle by law enforcement officers at the scene. He cooperated with authorities upon his arrest and is expected to face multiple felony charges, although the specific charges have not been disclosed.

Earlier on the day of the incident, Parker had been informed by office personnel that he was ineligible for the renewal of his commercial driver’s license, as stated by Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Justin Ruiz. The reasons behind the license rejection were not elaborated upon.

While no employees at the driver’s license office sustained serious injuries, one individual within the building was trapped for a period of time following the crash. The identity and location of the fatality resulting from the incident remain unclear.

After the crash, two individuals were airlifted to a hospital in Bryan, another was transported to Houston, three were taken to local hospitals but later discharged, and eight received on-site treatment for their injuries.

Parker, a resident of Chappell Hill located approximately 10 miles east of the crash site, is currently being held without bail at the Washington County jail in Brenham. He faces initial charges of suspicion of evading arrest causing serious bodily injury and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

It remains uncertain whether Parker has legal representation or will be assigned one at a later court hearing. No attorney or court date is listed on the jail’s website at present.

Ruiz stated that it is unknown if Parker has a criminal record and investigations are ongoing to determine if he was armed during the incident. Authorities are also examining whether the driver’s actions could be classified as an act of terrorism, with assistance from the FBI in the investigation.

The area surrounding the building was heavily guarded by law enforcement personnel, with motorists advised to avoid the vicinity on Friday. Brenham, a city with a population of around 19,000 residents, is situated approximately 80 miles west of Houston.

State Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Mayor Kenjura commended the swift response of law enforcement, emphasizing that their actions helped prevent a greater tragedy from unfolding.

“We are grateful that more individuals were not harmed in this violent act,” Kolkhorst remarked.

Kenjura revealed that a fire department official informed him that had Parker successfully struck the building again, there would have been a risk of collapse, potentially resulting in more injuries and fatalities.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, known for its extensive law enforcement operations, including border security and criminal investigations, is overseeing the investigation into the crash, led by the Texas Rangers.